AMERICACONSULTING provides marketing advisory to RT TECH ENERGY and FESCO
What is the Problem ? - Your business, institution, or other facility has consistently high energy bills – And, you suspect there are inefficient and outmoded systems.
Solution – examine your buildings, and heating and cooling systems. - Consider alternative and cleaner systems.
Benefit - Save monthly expenses, - - use those funds for other priority program items, - - and participate in cleaning the air, and improving global climate.
Value Proposition - - Help save – 20 to 30% of electric and energy bills - to use for better purposes.
Action - -
1- Survey your buildings
2- Draw up plans for improvements
3- Complete installation and correct the problems –
see - - - - www.FESCOENERGY.com for more detail
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Improve Heating and Cooling and Energy Efficiency.
James Shaw RT TECH ENERGY, and FESCO, serve universities, hospitals, and other commercial, and non profit organizations.
Services include surveys of facilities to determine energy usage, and efficiency. and- follow up installations.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Here is an example of the approach. In this case, a small liberal arts college
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HVAC Replacement - - Case Example
A college dormitory is currently heated by a steam-to-hot water heat exchanger. It has two circulating pumps feeding multiple hot water radiators.
The heating hot water (HHW) system is original. The HHW system has significant maintenance problems. It needs replacement.
Cooling is provided by residential-style window air conditioners. We examined these units. We found various stages of disrepair. They are not energy-efficient. They require high ongoing maintenance. Many must be replaced every year.
The survey included interviews with staff and maintenance personnel. These confirmed- the existing system has problems that need to be corrected.
Facility managers and staff complained about the lack of temperature and humidity control. Most spaces are too hot in Summer and too cold in Winter. The thermostats do not work properly.
Staff, plant operations personnel, and contracted services have not been able to correct the temperature control issues.
A variable refrigerant volume / variable refrigerant flow (VRV/VRF) energy recovery heat pump system is the solution. It can be installed to provide controlled heating, cooling and dehumidification.
This system will require room-level air distribution fan coil units. These will have evaporator coils and HEPA filters. They will be contained in a protective “cassette” housing.
Our recommended solution is this - - - Install cassette units for heating and cooling, in the hallways. Hallways will be ventilated with an outdoor air (OA) ventilation unit. This will provide sufficient ventilation to produce clean air.
The exhaust system will be off when buildings are not occupied. Incoming air will improve air quality. We will also install HEPA filters. These will capture 99.5% of particulate pollution.
Indoor units will be connected to external condensing units. Each fan coil unit, and cassette, will have electric resistance heaters. These will backup the heat pumps.
This new system will eliminate the need for steam to hot water heat exchanger, window AC units. and steam to hydronic HHW system.
The project will be based on a clear understanding of the existing building usage, occupancy patterns, and thermal load.
We will make on-site observations, interview facility, and staff, and analyze the utility bills.
A Trane Trace™ 700 building model will be used to determine the base load, and to size the new system (Appendix C).
This new ECM will reduce energy consumption. It will replace existing inefficient equipment.
The new VRV/VRF system is more efficient than a comparable central air-conditioning system. There will be electricity savings. And, steam will be eliminated. It will be replaced with heat pumps. And, we will capture backup electric resistance heat.
The existing systems are at the end of their useful life. New HVAC systems will reduce operating and maintenance costs.
The existing domestic hot water (DHW) system uses steam through a heat exchanger. It has a fuel-oil DHW heater back up.
We will remove the steam heating system. This will eliminate DHW production by the steam-to-hot water heat exchanger.
A new heat pump DHW will replace the existing backup water heater. The steam heating system will be removed. That will reduce the boiler plant load.
Removing the steam heating system will eliminate heat losses in the system. These losses come from both insulated and un-insulated piping. This occurs after the steam valve to the building has been closed.
Benefits Throughout the Buildings
This ECM will affect all areas in this building.
It will provide savings year-round. It is a heat recovery system, so it will provide sufficient heat in winter (down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit).
The building houses 104 students. This occupancy is similar to a residential housing complex.
Summer use is limited to individual rooms or floors. Savings will come from better managing unoccupied areas during holidays.
The new VRV/VRF system will have stand-alone controls in each room. Occupants will be able to control temperatures - - (minimum of 74 degrees for cooling and maximum of 70 degrees for heating, with a 2 degree + or – adjustment).
All units will be controlled by an overall building controller, and will be tied into the campus-wide energy management system.
Clients continually advise us on levels of building use, year round. Our energy modeling takes into account increased occupancy, in real time.
Operations and Maintenance of ECM
Room-level fan coil units are controlled by occupants. It will be available when occupied, based on demand.
The system controllers monitor heating and cooling requests and operate the VRV/VRF system to optimal efficiency.
Maintenance of the system will be the same as in a direct-expansion unitary system. Room units will require quarterly filter and evaporator coil inspections.
Inspections may lead to filter changes, and semi-annual coil cleaning to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.
Exterior units will require periodic inspection of condenser coils and fans. Inspections may result in a semi-annual coil cleaning to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.
The exterior condensing units have an expected life of 15+ years.
Physical Changes
Room evaporator fan coils include wall-mounted units. They have new electrical connections, refrigerant lines, and condensate piping.
The new refrigerant lines will require openings in the walls between interior rooms, and the exterior. Refrigerant controller manifolds will be above the ceilings. And, refrigerant lines will connect to exterior units.
Indoor units will be connected in a parallel daisy-chain, to a 15-amp circuit breaker at the electrical panel. Condensate piping will empty into existing mop sinks on each floor.
New drop ceilings will be in the hallways. The valve providing steam will be closed. And, steam heaters and associated piping will remain in place, but no longer used.
Utility Interruptions
Electrical interruptions may be required during construction. Heating and cooling will not be available during demolition and construction.
Utility Rebate
Delmarva Energy Co. provides incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades based on savings. Clients can expect savings that will estimated during the pre installation audit.
Delmarva is committed to participating in this project to maximize the rebates. The Company will assist in facilitating the application and the paperwork.
Delmarva also offers some customers training in how to maintain new energy-efficient infrastructure. Rebates are expected to be $35,000 for the HVAC improvements in this project. The final value of the rebate will be based on utility approval, and the final full scope of work.
= = = = == = = = = == = == = == = = = = = = = == = == == == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
CONTACT - -
James W. Shaw President 410-638-1350 RT ENERGY TECH, LLC - and Shaw Development, LLC
FESCO Energy delivers customized energy solutions where, how, and when they are needed. We partner with clients on energy assessments. We provide both energy-as-service and on-site generation, renewable and distributed/commodity energy, and storage. We deliver exceptional cost savings, increased efficiency, energy security, resiliency, and greater ROI. 7470 New Technology Way, Suite A, Frederick, MD 21704 888-804-9274 info@fescoenergy.com
www.fescoenergy.com